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Waupaca Historical Society
Waupaca Historical Society
321 S. Main St., Waupaca, WI 54981

About Us

The Waupaca Historical Society, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, was formed in 1953 to preserve the history of the Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes area. The Waupaca Historical Society owns and operates four buildings: the Holly History and Genealogy Center located in the former library at 321 S. Main St.; the Hutchinson House Museum and the King Cottage, both located in South Park; and the Waupaca Railroad Depot at 525 Oak Street.

New members and volunteers are always welcome! Contact Tracy Behrendt, Director, at (715) 256-9980 or director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org.


The mission of the Waupaca Historical Society is to preserve, advance and disseminate knowledge of the history of the Waupaca area.


WHS Board of Directors (Board meets the second Thursday of every month at 5:15 p.m. at the Holly Center):

Ashlie Buck, President

Mike Kirk, Vice President

Ryan Drazkowski, Treasurer

Betty Stewart, Secretary


Tanya Gauer

Brian Godfrey

Jeff Jenswold

Dennis Lear

Kent Pegorsch

Jeff Weasner

Nancy Weasner

Marge Writt

Cory Nagel (City Council Representative)


Staff: Tracy Behrendt, Director

Donate

Thank you for donating to the Waupaca Historical Society and helping us preserve Waupaca and Chain O'Lakes history!

Interested in receiving the latest news from the Waupaca Historical Society? Subscribe with your email address below!

Come visit us at the Holly Center at 321 S. Main Street during our open hours on

Wednesday through Friday, 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

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What's Happening at the Waupaca Historical Society!
(all programs are at the Holly History and Genealogy Center unless otherwise noted)

2025 HOLLY CENTER HOURS: Wednesday-Friday,

10 am-2 pm

  • Sun., March 2, 3-5 pm at the Waupaca Depot: Self-Guided Winter Hike (program with the City of Waupaca Parks & Rec and the Waupaca Area Public Library); stop at the Depot for a hot beverage and tour!
  • Thurs., March 20, 6 pm: "Brownie the War Dog: Veterans' Best Friend" with author Kelly Nelson
  • Mon., April 14, 6:30 pm at the Waupaca Area Public Library (a Winchester Academy program):"Waupaca’s Sesquicentennial: A Look Back at the City of Waupaca’s Early Years" with Tracy Behrendt
  • Thurs., April 24, 6 pm: "Plank, Wheel & Rail: Wisconsin's Transportation History" with Jim Willaert, Wade House Historic Site

Looking for other events taking place in Waupaca? Check out the Waupaca Chain O'Lakes Community Calendar here!
Check us out on Facebook!

Appointments outside of open hours at any WHS buildings can be made at least two weeks in advance by calling the Holly History and Genealogy Center at (715) 256-9980 or emailing 

Tracy Behrendt at 

director@waupacahistoricalsociety.org.